Cable tension adjuster for height-adjustable wheeled vehicle

ABSTRACT

The present application relates to a cable tension adjuster for a manually operated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle. The vehicle includes a brake assembly including a brake cable assembly and a brake cable housing shaped to enclose an excess portion of the brake cable assembly. The brake assembly includes a cable adjuster coupled to the brake cable assembly, where the cable adjuster is enclosed by the brake cable housing. The brake cable housing provides an access port to access the cable tension adjuster.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a cable tension adjuster for aheight-adjustable wheeled vehicle. In particular, the invention relatesto a cable tension adjuster for a height-adjustable wheeled vehicle,such as a walker, a rollator, a transport chair, a wheelchair, a wheeledcommode, an evacuation chair, or height-adjustable stretcher, and abrake assembly designed to accommodate the cable tension adjuster.

RELATED ART

U.S. Pat. No. 10,053,062 to Lui discloses a brake assembly for aheight-adjustable walker apparatus. The brake assembly includes a brakeactuator, a wheel-engaging brake member and a brake cable assembly. Thebrake cable assembly includes a flexible, inner cable, and a flexible,outer casing through which the inner cable extends and is moveablerelative thereto. The inner cable has a first end coupled to the brakeactuator and a second end coupled to the wheel-engaging brake member.The brake assembly includes a brake cable housing shaped to enclose aslack portion of the brake cable assembly.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,781 to Kanbar discloses a collapsible rolling caneadapted to assist an elderly or handicapped person in walking. The caneincludes a front leg having a handle attached to its upper end at aheight convenient to the user, with a single front wheel being mountedon the lower end. A shorter tubular rear leg is pivotally connected atits upper end to the leaf of a first hinge joined to the front leg at aposition below the upper end thereof The lower end of the rear leg isjoined to the midpoint of a transverse axle on either end of which arear wheel is mounted. Bridging the legs is a foldable arm, one end ofwhich is pivotally connected to the leaf of a second hinge joined to thefront leg at a position above its lower end, the other end of the armbeing pivotally connected through a longitudinal slot in the rear leg toa slide therein, whereby when the cane is collapsed to put it in aninactive state, the slide rides up the rear leg to fold the arm andposition the front and rear legs in parallel relation, and when the caneis put in an active state, the slide rides down the rear leg to extendthe arm and cause the front and rear legs to assume an acute angle andthe front and rear wheels then engage the ground at the points of atriangle to render the rolling cane stable.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides, and it is an object to provide, a cabletension adjuster for a height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, and brakeassembly housing to accommodate the cable tension adjuster. The presentinvention further provides a wheel fork assembly for theheight-adjustable wheeled vehicle.

There is provided a brake assembly for a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a first aspect. The brakeassembly includes a brake cable assembly. The brake assembly includes abrake cable housing shaped to enclose an excess portion of the brakecable assembly. The brake assembly includes a cable adjuster coupled tothe brake cable assembly. The cable adjuster is enclosed by the brakecable housing.

There is also provided a brake assembly for a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a second aspect. Thevehicle includes a height-adjustable assembly. The brake assemblyincludes a brake cable housing coupled to and extending laterallyoutwards from the height-adjustable assembly. The brake cable housingencloses a chamber and has an opening in communication with the chamber.The brake assembly includes a brake cable assembly. The brake cableassembly includes a first portion extending along the height-adjustableassembly. The brake cable assembly includes a second portion enclosedwithin the brake cable housing. The second portion of the brake cableassembly extends into the chamber via said opening and is movableanywhere within said chamber.

There is further provided a brake assembly for a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a third aspect. Thevehicle includes a height-adjustable assembly. The brake assemblyincludes a brake cable assembly extending along the height-adjustableassembly. The brake assembly includes a brake cable housing shaped toenclose an excess portion of the brake cable assembly within a chamberthereof.

The brake cable housing has an access port extending through an innerside planar portion thereof. The access port being in communication withthe chamber.

There is additionally provided a wheel fork assembly for a manuallyoperated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a first aspect.The vehicle includes a frame member. The wheel fork assembly includes amount shaped to couple with a lower end of the frame member of thevehicle. The mount has a longitudinal axis. The wheel fork assemblyincludes a wheel fork having a longitudinal axis offset from thelongitudinal axis of the mount The wheel fork is integrally coupled toand formed with the mount.

There is yet further provided a wheel fork assembly for a manuallyoperated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a secondaspect. The vehicle includes a frame member. The wheel fork assemblyincludes a mount. An upper portion of the mount is shaped to couple witha lower end of the frame member of the vehicle. A lower portion of themount curves laterally outwards. The wheel fork assembly includes awheel fork coupled to the lower portion of the mount.

There is yet also provided a wheel fork assembly for a manuallyoperated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a third aspect.The wheel fork assembly includes a pair of elongate supports. Thesupports have lower portions between which a wheel is mountable. Thesupports have upper portions. An aperture extends through the upperportion of one said support. The wheel fork assembly includes an uppercover which couples together the upper portions of the supports. Thewheel fork assembly includes aside cover that extends across theaperture and which is selectively removable.

There is yet additionally provided a wheel fork assembly for a manuallyoperated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a fourthaspect. The vehicle includes a wheel-engaging brake member and a brakeadjustment mechanism. The wheel fork assembly includes a pair ofelongate supports between which a wheel is received and to which thewheel rotatably couples. The wheel fork assembly includes a housingwhich couples together the supports and extends about the wheel-engagingbrake member and the brake adjustment mechanism. The housing includes aside cover. Removal of the side cover thereof provides access to thebrake adjustment mechanism. The side cover aligns with one of theelongate supports.

There is also provided a wheel fork assembly for a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a fifth aspect. Thevehicle includes a wheel-engaging brake member and a brake adjustmentmechanism. The wheel fork assembly includes a pair of elongate supportsbetween which a wheel is received and to which the wheel rotatablycouples. The wheel fork assembly includes a housing which couplestogether the supports. The housing extends about the wheel-engagingbrake member and the brake adjustment mechanism. The housing includes acover. Removal of the cover provides access to the brake adjustmentmechanism. The cover aligns with an inner side of the wheel forkassembly.

There is further provided a walker comprising one of the preceding brakeassemblies and/or wheel fork assemblies. There is also provided arollator comprising one of the preceding brake assemblies and/or wheelfork assemblies. There is additionally provided a transport chaircomprising one of the preceding brake assemblies and/or wheel forkassemblies. There is yet further provided a combination transport chairand walker comprising one of the preceding brake assemblies and/or wheelfork assemblies. There is yet also provided a wheelchair comprising oneof the preceding brake assemblies and/or wheel fork assemblies. There isyet additionally provided a wheeled commode comprising one of thepreceding brake assemblies and/or wheel fork assemblies. There is alsoprovided an evacuation chair comprising one of the preceding brakeassemblies arid/or wheel fork assemblies. There is further provided aheight-adjustable stretcher comprising one of the preceding brakeassemblies and/or wheel fork assemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be more readily understood from the followingdescription of preferred embodiments thereof given, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a rear, right side, top perspective of a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a first aspect, thevehicle comprising a walker apparatus that includes a folding mechanism,a seat assembly, a height-adjustable assembly shown in an extendedposition and a brake assembly, the brake assembly including a pair ofbrake cable housings coupled to the height-adjustable assembly.

FIG. 2 is a rear, right side, top perspective of the walker apparatus ofFIG. 1, with one of the brake cable housings being showy partiallyunassembled to reveal interior components thereof, and the brakeassembly including a pair of brake cable assemblies one of which isshown partially in ghost

FIG. 3 is a rear, right side, top perspective of the walker apparatus ofFIG. 2, with the height-adjustable assembly being shown in a retractedposition.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, inner side perspective view of the partiallyunassembled brake cable housing of FIG. 3 and revealing a slack portionof the brake cable assembly enclosed therewithin, the brake assemblyincluding a cable adjuster shown in a retracted position, with the restof the walker apparatus being shown in fragment and with transparentshading to reveal the interior components thereof.

FIG. 5 is an inner side elevation view of the brake cable housing ofFIG. 4, with the cable adjuster shown in its retracted position, and therest of the walker apparatus being shown in fragment and withtransparent shading to reveal the interior components thereof.

FIG. 6 is an inner side elevation view of the brake cable housing ofFIG. 5, with the cable adjuster shown in an extended position, and therest of the walker apparatus being shown in fragment and withtransparent shading to reveal the interior components thereof

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of a rear, right side wheel forkassembly of the walker apparatus of FIG. 1, with a wheel, of the walkerapparatus and one of the height-adjustable assembly of the walkerapparatus being shown in fragment.

FIG. 8 is a rear, inner side perspective view of the rear wheel forkassembly of FIG. 7, the rear wheel fork assembly including a side cover,and with the wheel and height-adjustable assembly of FIG. 7 being shownin fragment.

FIG. 9 is an inner side elevation view of the rear wheel fork assemblyof FIG. 8, with the side cover thereof being removed to reveal a brakeadjustment mechanism of the brake assembly of the walker apparatus, andwith the wheel and rear wheel fork assembly of FIG. 8 being shown infragment.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of a rear, left side wheel forkassembly of the walker apparatus of FIG. 1, with a brake and brakeadjustment mechanism thereof being removed and not shown.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the rear, left side wheel forkassembly of FIG. 10, with the brake and brake adjustment mechanismthereof being removed and not shown.

FIG. 12 is a front, inner side, bottom perspective view of the rear,left side wheel fork assembly of FIG. 10, with a side cover thereof, thebrake and the brake adjustment mechanism thereof being removed and notshown.

FIG. 13 is an inner side elevation view of the rear, left side wheelfork assembly of FIG. 10, with the side cover, the brake and the brakeadjustment mechanism thereof being removed and not shown.

FIG. 14 is a right-side, rear perspective view of a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a second aspect, thevehicle comprising a combination transport chair and walker apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a right-side elevation view of a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a third aspect, thevehicle comprising a wheelchair.

FIG. 16 is a right-side elevation view of a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a fourth aspect, thevehicle comprising a wheeled commode.

FIG. 17 is a right-side elevation view of a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a fifth aspect, thevehicle comprising an evacuation chair.

FIG. 18 is a right-side elevation view of a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a sixth aspect, thevehicle comprising a height-adjustable stretcher.

FIG. 19 is an inner side elevation view of a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a seventh aspect, thevehicle comprising a walker apparatus similar to FIG. 1 with each brakecable housing thereof having an access port for selectively accessing acable adjuster of the brake cable assembly thereof, and with theheight-adjustable assembly, side framing and folding mechanism of thewalker apparatus being shown in fragment.

FIG. 20 is an inner side elevation view of the walker apparatus of FIG.19, with a removable cover of the brake cable housing thereof shownextending across and covering the access port of FIG. 19, and with theheight-adjustable assembly, side framing and folding mechanism of thewalker apparatus being shown in fragment.

FIG. 21 is an inner side elevation view of a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to an eighth aspect, thevehicle comprising a walker apparatus similar to FIG. 19 with one brakecable housing thereof being shown partially unassembled to reveal achamber thereof, and with the height-adjustable assembly, side framingand folding mechanism of the walker apparatus being shown in fragment.

FIG. 22 is a left side elevation view of a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle according to a ninth aspect, thevehicle comprising a walker apparatus similar to FIG. 1, with theapparatus including connectors which couple the brake cable housingsthereof to the height-adjustable assemblies thereof, and with the walkerapparatus being shown partially in fragment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings and first to FIG. 1, there is shown a manuallyoperated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle. The vehicle may also bereferred to as a transport apparatus or a travel-assistance apparatusand in this example comprises a height-adjustable walker apparatus 20.The walker apparatus may be referred to as a walker or rollator. Thewalker apparatus 20 has a rear 22 and a front 24, The walker apparatushas a pair of spaced-apart sides 26 and 28, a top 30 and a bottom 32which is spaced-apart from the top. The rear 22 and front 24 of thewalker apparatus 20 extend between the sides 26 and 28 thereof and thetop 30 and bottom 32 thereof. The top and bottom of the walker apparatusalso extend between the sides 26 and 28 thereof.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the walker apparatus 20 includes a pair ofspaced-apart, upright, height/length-adjustable assemblies 34 and 36aligning with respective ones of the sides 26 and 28 thereof. Each ofthe assemblies has a lower end and an upper end, as seen by lower end 38and upper end 40 for assembly 34. Each of the assemblies is telescopicand there is height-adjustable, with a lower outer elongate member ortube, and an upper inner elongate member or tube shaped to fit withinthe lower tube. This is seen by outer tube 42 and inner tube 44 forassembly 34. As seen in FIG. 1, the assemblies 34 and 36 havelongitudinal axes 43 and 47. Portions 57 of outer tubes 42 andtelescoping portions 45 of inner tubes 44 extend along respective saidaxes.

As seen in FIG. 1, each of the inner tubes 44 has a plurality oflongitudinally spaced-apart apertures 46 which provide a length LH ofadjustment range. The walker apparatus 20 includes a pair of couplingmechanisms for selectively coupling the pairs of telescoping tubes 42and 44 together, in this example in the form of thumb screws 48. Thethumb screws are threadably coupled to the outer tubes 42 in thisexample, Selective rotation of the thumb screws causes the thumb screwsto be selectively inserted through one of said apertures 46 of the innertube 44 to fixedly adjust the height of the telescoping tubes. Thisenables the height of the walker apparatus to be adjusted to provide anoptimized handlebar height for the user. The height of the walkerapparatus is thus adjustable from a retracted position of the tubes 42and 44 seen in FIG. 3 to an extended position of the tubes seen in FIG.1 as well as positions therebetween.

As seen in FIG. 4, each of the outer tubes 42 of the height-adjustableassemblies 34 has an aperture 51 extending therein. Each apertureextends about a lateral axis 49 that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 43 of its corresponding assembly 34. Each aperture 51is slot shaped and around in this example; however, this is not strictlyrequired. Each aperture faces the front 24 of the walker apparatus 20 inthis example and extends through a front portion 180 of the tube 42.Each aperture 51 is interposed between the lower end 38 and upper end 40of its height-adjustable assembly 34 seen in FIG. 1. Each aperture isadjacent to and spaced-apart upwards from the corresponding end 38 ofits height-adjustable assembly seen in FIG. 1.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the walker apparatus 20 includes a pair ofspaced-apart laterally-extending assemblies 50 and 52. Thelaterally-extending assemblies align with respective ones of the sides26 and 28 of the walker apparatus and extend from near the bottom 32towards the top 30 thereof. Each of the laterally-extending assembliesincludes a pair of spaced-apart, elongate upper and lower side members,or side frame members, with the upper members being in the form of tubes54 in this example and the lower members being the form of tubes 56 inthis example. Each tube has a proximal end 58 coupled to correspondingouter tube 42 and a distal end 60 spaced-apart from its proximal end.Rods 56 thus couple to and extend radially outwards from tubes 42 andheight-adjustable assemblies 34 and 36. Each tube 56 extendslaterally-outwards and perpendicular from its corresponding outer tube42 towards the front 24 of the walker apparatus 20, in this example. Asseen in FIG. 4, each tube has a longitudinally extending top 61 whichfaces corresponding tube 54 of its laterally-extending assembly 50. Thetops of the tubes are curved at least in part in lateral cross-sectionand outwardly convex in lateral cross-section in this example.

Still referring to FIG. 4, each tube 54 includes a substantiallystraight portion 62 in this example which is coupled to and extendslaterally-outwards from corresponding outer tube 42 towards the front 24of the walker apparatus 20. Aperture 51 of tube 42 is interposed andextends between tube 56 and substantially straight portion 62 of tube 54and is positioned adjacent to tube 56 in this example. Each straightportion 62 of the tubes 54 has a longitudinally extending bottom 63which face the top 61 of its corresponding tube 56. The bottoms of thestraight portions of the tubes 54 are curved at least in part in lateralcross-section and outwardly convex in lateral cross-section in thisexample. As seen in FIG. 1, each tube includes a curved portion 64 i.e.this example which couples to and is interposed between the straightportion thereof and distal end 60 of its corresponding tube 56.

Still referring to FIG. 1 the walker apparatus includes foldingmechanism 66 in this example coupled to and extending between thelaterally-extending assemblies 50 and 52. The folding mechanism isconfigured to enable the walker apparatus 20 to selectively foldlaterally. The walker apparatus includes a seat assembly 68 whichextends between and pivotally couples to the straight portions 62 oftubes 54 of the laterally extending assemblies 50 and 52 in thisexample. The walker apparatus 20 includes a foldable basket 71 adjacentto the front 24 thereof and which couples to and extends betweenlaterally extending assemblies 50 and 52 thereof via connectors 73. Thevarious parts and functionings of the folding mechanism 66, seatassembly 68 and foldable basket are described in more detail in U.S.Pat. No. 8,083,239 and United States Patent Application Publication No.2019/0009758 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

As seen in FIG. 1, the walker apparatus 20 includes a first or frontpair of ground-engageable wheels 70 operatively coupled to and pivotablerelative to the distal ends 72 of the curved portions 64 of tubes 54 byway of front wheel forks 74.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the walker apparatus includes a second orrear pair of ground-engageable wheels 75 and 75′ operatively coupled toand rotatable relative to the lower ends 38 and 38′ of theheight-adjustable assemblies via wheel fork assemblies 76 and 76′, inthis example the wheel fork assemblies are rear wheel fork assemblies.Like parts have like numbers and functionings with the addition ofextension The wheel fork assemblies 76 and 76′ have outer sides 77 and77′ which align with sides 26 and 28 of the walker apparatus 20. Thewheel fork assemblies have inner sides 78 and 78′ which are inwardlyfacing and which face each other.

As seen in FIG. 8, each wheel fork assembly 76 includes a mount 79having an upper portion 81 which is tubular in this example. The upperportion of the mount is shaped to receive the lower end 38 of itscorresponding tube 42 and couple thereto via fasteners, in this examplebolts 83. The upper portion 81 of the mount 79 has a longitudinal axis85 which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 47 of the correspondingheight-adjustable assembly 36 of the walker apparatus 20.

As seen in FIG. 7, each mount 79 includes a lower portion 87 thatcouples to and is integrally formed with the upper portion 81 thereof.The lower portion of the mount extends laterally outwards relative tothe axis 85, of the upper portion of the mount and axis 47 of thecorresponding height-adjustable assembly 36, from the upper portion ofthe mount towards the bottom 32 and corresponding side 28 of the walkerapparatus 20. The lower portion 87 of the mount 79 has an inner surface89 which extends along the inner side 78 of the wheel fork assembly 76in this example. The inner surface of the lower portion of the mount hasan upper region 91 which is outwardly convex. The inner surface 89 ofthe lower portion 87 of the mount 79 has a lower region 93 adjacent towheel 75 and which is outwardly concave in this example. The inner sides78 of the wheel fork assemblies are thus outwardly concave in part andoutwardly convex in part in this example. The outer sides of the lowerportion of the mount are outwardly convex in this example, as seen byouter side 95′ in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 8, each wheel fork assembly 76 includes a wheel fork135.

The wheel fork couples to the lower portion 87 of the mount 79 and inthis example is integrally coupled to and formed with the mount. As seenin FIG. 7, each wheel fork 135 mount has a longitudinal axis 137 that islaterally offset from the longitudinal axis 85 of its correspondingmount 79.

Referring to FIG. 8, the wheel fork includes a pair of elongate innerand outer supports 139 and 141 with lower portions 149 between whichwheel 75 is received and to which the wheel rotatably couples. Each ofthe elongate supports is planar in shape in this example and may bereferred to a planar portion of the wheel fork. As seen in FIG. 7, thewheel fork 135 is shaped to receive the wheel 75 therebetween such thewheel is forward facing and laterally outwardly spaced from tube 42. Asseen in FIG. 10, inner support 141′ aligns with the longitudinal axis85′ of mount 79′ and longitudinal axis 85′ of assembly 34 seen in FIG. 1in this example. Referring to FIG. 9, each of the inner elongatesupports 141. has an upper portion 151 with an aperture 155 extendingtherethrough. As seen in FIG. 12, each of the supports includes aplurality of strengthening ribs 207′ coupled thereto. The ribs of thetwo supports 139′ and 141′ face each other and are positioned betweenthe supports.

Referring to FIG. 8, each wheel fork 135 includes an upper cover 171which couples together the upper portions 151 of the supports 139 and141. The upper cover is arc-shaped in this example. The upper cover 171and upper portions 151 of the supports 139 and 141 form a wheel forkhousing 1.73. The wheel fork housing includes a side cover 175 thatextends over aperture 155. As seen in FIG. 12, the wheel. fork housing173′ includes a pair of outwardly extending flanges 199′ and 201′between which the. aperture 155′ extends and between which the sidecover extends. As seen in FIG. 8, the side cover 175 is outwardly curvedand in this example is outwardly convex. The side cover aligns with theupper portion 151 of the inner support 141 of its corresponding wheelfork 135 and extends along the inner side 78 of the wheel fork assembly76 in this example. The wheel fork assembly includes a fastener, in thisexample screw 179 via which the side cover 175 couples to the innersupport. The side cover is thus selectively removable.

As seen in FIG. 2, the walker apparatus 20 includes a pair of brakeassemblies 203 and 203′ for its rear wheels 75 and 75′. Each brakeassembly includes a wheel-engaging brake member 205. As seen in FIG. 9,each brake member has a first end 209 and a second end 211 spaced-apartfrom the first end. In this example each brake member 205 pivotallyconnects to its respective wheel fork 78 via bearing 197 which isinterposed between the first and second ends of the brake member. Thebearing rotatably mounts to and pivots about shaft 213 coupled to thewheel fork. Each brake member 205 includes a brake pad 215 in thisexample coupled to and extending downwards from the first end 209thereof. Each brake pad faces its corresponding wheel 75.

Each brake member 205 includes in this example a resilient member in theform of a coil spring 217. The coil spring has an upper end 219 whichabuts upper wall 221 of the wheel fork 135 in this example. The coilspring 217 has a lower end 237 which abuts end 211 of the brake member205. The coil spring is configured to spring-bias the brake pad, 215upwards from wheel 75.

Still referring to FIG. 9, each brake assembly 203 includes a brakeadjustment mechanism 223. The brake adjustment mechanism in this exampleincludes a sleeve 225 coupled to the end 211 of the brake member 205.The lower end 237 of the coil. spring 217 abuts the sleeve. The brakeadjustment mechanism 223 includes a set screw 227 threadably coupled tothe sleeve 225. Housing 173 is shaped to extend about the brake member205 and brake adjustment mechanism 223. Aperture 155 is in communicationwith the brake adjustment mechanism. Selective removable of the sidecover 175, seen in FIG. 8, provides access to the brake adjustmentmechanism 223 seen in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 2, each brake assembly 203 further includes a brakecable assembly 98, in this example in the form of Bowden-type brakecable assembly. The brake cable assembly includes a flexible, innercable 100 seen in FIG. 9 that is made of metal in this example.Referring to FIG. 2, the cable has an upper or first end 101. As seen inFIG. 9, each cable 100 has a lower or second end 103. The second end ofthe cable 300 is operatively coupled to the second end 211 of brakemember 205, in this example via portion 10 of the cable extendingthrough sleeve 225, with set screw 227 thereafter being tightened toengage with said portion 105. The set screw enables the tension of cable100 to be adjusted by lowering or elevating end 103 of the cable andthereafter securing the cable in place via the set screw.

As seen in FIG. 2, each brake cable assembly 98 has a first and in thisexample generally straight and elongate portion 111 which extends alongthe height-adjustable assembly 34. In this example the elongate portionof the brake cable assembly is primarily enclosed within itscorresponding height-adjustable assembly 34 in this example. However,this is not strictly required; for example, the elongate portion of thebrake cable assembly may extend along the outside of theheight-adjustable assembly in other embodiments. The elongate portion111 of the brake cable assembly 98 extends generally parallel withlongitudinal axis 43 where the elongate portion enters within outer tube42 and the telescoping portion 45 of the inner tube 44.

As seen in FIG. 4, each cable has a second or excess portion, in thisexample a slack portion 109 that is loop shaped. The slack portion isthus a coiled section of the brake cable assembly comprising a singleloop in this example. The slack portion 109 of the brake cable assemblyextends through the aperture 51 of tube 42. As seen in FIG. 5, the slackportion of the brake cable assembly 98 extends laterally outwardsrelative to longitudinal axis 43 from assembly 34 and generally in thedirection lateral axis 49.

Each brake cable assembly 98 includes a flexible outer casing or cablesleeve 108 through which cable 100, seen in FIG. 9, extends and ismoveable relative thereto. The cable sleeve may be referred to as acable sleeve and is made of plastic in this example. The cable sleeve108 has a first end 110 seen in FIG. 2 and a second end 112 seen in FIG.9. Second end 11.2 of the cable sleeve couples to wheel fork 135 via amount 79 through which cable 100 extends. Upward movement of cable 100,as shown by arrow of numeral 122, causes end 21.1 of brake member 205 tomore upwards relative to FIG. 9. This in turn causes end 209 and brakepad 215 of the brake member to move downwards, as shown by arrow ofnumeral 123, for selectively engaging the pad against the wheel 75 andbraking the wheel. Thus, each brake member 205 operatively connects tothe lower end 38 of its height-adjustable assembly 34 seen in. FIG. 2.The brake member as herein described is one example only for walkerapparatus 20 and the brake assembly 203 may use other braking systemsfor, the brake cable assembly 98 in other embodiments.

As seen in FIG. 2, the walker apparatus 20 includes a pair of handle barassemblies 124 and 125 coupled to the upper ends 40 of respective onesof the height-adjustable assemblies 34 and 36. The walker apparatusincludes an arcuate-shaped backrest 127 positioned along the front 24thereof. The backrest is in the shape of a flexible strap in thisexample and extends between the handlebar assemblies 124 and 125. Thebackrest 127 couples to the handlebar assemblies via spaced-apart ends131 and 133 of the backrest.

Still referring to FIG. 2, each of the handlebar assemblies includes abrake actuator, in this example in the form of a gripping handle 130pivotally mounted to a respective handlebar housing 134. First end 1.01of cable 100 operatively couples to the gripping handle. Upward movementof the gripping handles 130, as shown by arrow of numeral 162, causesthe cable of the brake cable assembly 98 to be actuated, pulled andmoved relative to casing 108 of the brake cable assembly for selectivelyactuating brake member 205 seen in FIG. 9. Gripping handles and brakeactuators for brake assemblies are known per se and more details in thisregard are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,083,239, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As seen in FIG. 1, the walker apparatus 20 includes a pair of hollow,brake cable housings corresponding to respective ones of theheight-adjustable assemblies, as seen by brake cable housing 168 forheight-adjustable assembly 34. Referring to FIG. 2, each brake cablehousing is shaped to enclose the slack portion 109 of its correspondingbrake cable assembly 98. Each brake cable housing 168 is generallyrectangular in the shape in this example in side, top, bottom, rear andfront profile.

As seen in FIG. 4, each brake cable housing has an elongate top 170shaped to align with and receive the bottom 63 of the substantiallystraight portion 62 of tube 54 in this example. Each brake cable housing168 has an elongate bottom 174 opposite its top 170. The: bottom of thebrake cable housing is shaped to align with, extend along in part andreceive the top 61 of tube 56 in this example. Each brake cable housing168 further includes an elongate rear 178 which extends between the top170 and bottom 174 thereof. The rear of the brake cable housing extendsalong and is shaped to abut and receive a front portion 180 of tube 42of its corresponding height-adjustable assembly 34 extending betweentubes 54 and 56 in this example. However, this manner and location ofconnection is not strictly required and instead of directly connecting,the brake cable housing may merely operatively connect to theheight-adjustable assembly 34 in other embodiments. As seen in FIG. 5,brake cable housing 168 thus couples to and has a longitudinal axis 169axially offset from the tubes 42 and 44 of assembly 34. The brake cablehousing thus couples to and extends laterally outwards from the assembly34 in this example.

As seen in FIG. 4, each brake cable housing 168 includes a hollowprotrusion 182 which extends outwards from rear 178 thereof. Theprotrusion is shaped to fit within tube 42 via aperture 51. Portions 53of tube 42 extending around aperture 51 are configured to snugly abutwith the protrusion in this example. Each brake cable housing 168 has afront 184 spaced-apart from the rear 178 thereof. The front of the brakecable housing extends between the top 170 and bottom 174 thereof. Thefront 184 of the brake cable housing 168 is substantially verticallyextending and straight in this example.

Referring to FIG. 1, the brake cable housings include a pair ofspaced-apart side planar portions, in this example inner side planarportions, in this case inner sides 186 and 186′, and exterior sideplanar portions, in this case outer sides 188 and 188′. The outer sidesextend along sides 26 and 28 of the walker apparatus 20. The outer sides188 and 188′ face opposite from the inner sides 186 and 186′. The innerand outer sides of the brake cable housings 168 are substantially planarand rectangular in this example. Each side extends between the top 170,bottom 174, rear 178 and front 184 of the brake cable housing seen inFIG. 4. Still referring to FIG. 4, the brake cable housing 168 includesa peripheral portion 176 which extends along the top 170, front 384,bottom 174 and rear 178 thereof. The peripheral portion extends aboutthe inner side 186 and outer side 188 thereof seen in FIG. 2.

As seen in FIG. 4, each brake cable housing 168 includes a first part190 which extends between top 170, bottom 174, rear 178 and front 184thereof and which extends from its inner side towards its outer side. Asseen in FIG. 2, each brake cable housing I68 includes a second part 192that is complementary to, selectively connectable to and selectivelyremovable from part 190. Parts 190 and 192 are respective halves of thebrake cable housing in this example though this is not strictlyrequired. Part 192 extends between the top, bottom, rear and front ofthe brake cable housing, and extends from the outer side towards theinner side of the brake cable housing.

As seen in FIG. 4, each brake cable housing 168 has an interior orinterior space 200 that is generally crescent-shaped in this example.Each brake cable housing has an outer portion 202 which extends alongthe top 170, bottom 174, rear 178, and front 184 thereof The outerportion 202 of the brake cable housing has an inner wall or peripheraledge 204 which encloses the interior space 200 thereof along with thesides of the brake cable housing. The inner peripheral edge of the outerportion is inwardly concave and is generally arc-shaped, in this casetear-drop shaped in this example. The peripheral edge 204 seen, in FIG.4 extends between the sides 186 and 188 of the brake cable housing seenin FIG. 1. Referring back to FIG. 4, the outer portion 202 of the brakecable housing has a central axis 206 in this example.

Each brake cable housing 168 includes an inner portion 208 positionedwithin the interior space 200 thereof, The inner portion of the brakecable housing includes an inner wall or outer peripheral edge 210 whichis outwardly convex and arc-shaped in this example. The outer peripheraledge extends between the sides 186 and 188 of the brake, cable housing168 seen in FIG. 1. Referring back to FIG. 4, the inner portion 208 ofthe brake cable housing 168 has a central axis 212 which is axiallyoffset from the central axis 206 of the outer portion 202 of the brakecable housing.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the brake cable housing 168 receives and inthis example encloses the slack portion 109 of brake cable assembly 98within interior space 200 thereof. The brake cable housing includes anupper passageway 214 within the interior space thereof The upperpassageway extends from the rear 178 of the brake cable housing adjacentto aperture 51 towards the top 170 and front 184 of the brake cablehousing. The upper passageway 214 is arc-shaped and downwardly concavein shape in this example. The upper passageway is shaped to receiveexcess portions 216 of the brake cable assembly 98 extending from thewheel-engaging brake member 205 and thus lower end 103 of cable 100 seenin FIG. 9.

As seen in FIG. 5, the brake cable housing 168 includes a lowerpassageway 218 within the interior space 200 thereof. The lowerpassageway extends through protrusion 182 of the brake cable housing 168in this example towards the bottom 174 and front 184 of the brake cablehousing. The lower passageway 218 is arc-shaped and upwardly concave inshape in this example. The lower passageway is shaped to receive excessportions no of brake cable assembly 98 extending from the grippinghandle 130 as seen in FIG. 2 and thus extending from end 101 of cable100.

Referring back to FIG. 5, each brake cable housing 168 includes achamber 222 within the interior space 200 thereof. The brake cablehousing encloses the chamber within the interior space. Chamber 222 isdefined by and spans between peripheral edges 204 and 210 and sides 186and 188 of the brake cable housing seen in FIG. 2 in this embodiment.The chamber is interposed between and in communication with thepassageways 214 and 218. The upper and lower passageways may be referredto as openings in communication with the chamber. The cross-sectionalwidths of the upper passageway 214 and the lower passageway 218 taper toincrease as the passageways extend from the height-adjustable assembly34 towards the chamber 222. This is shown by width W₁ of passageway 218adjacent to tube 42 being smaller than width W₂ of the, passageway 218adjacent chamber 222. The chamber is shaped to receive further excessportions 224 of brake cable assembly 98 coupled to and integrally formedwith excess portions 216 and 220 thereof. The chamber 222 is concave inthis example in a direction facing the upper passageway 214 and thelower passageway 218. The chamber is larger in volume and cross-sectionwidth W₃ compared to the upper passageway 214 and compared to the lowerpassageway 218. As seen in FIG. 5, the chamber 222 is c-shaped in thisembodiment.

Slack portion 109 of brake cable assembly 98 abuts at least in part theinner peripheral edge 204 of the outer portion 202 of its correspondingbrake cable housing 168 when the walker apparatus 20 is its retractedposition in this example; however this is not strictly required. Theslack portion of the brake cable assembly forms an enlarged loop in theretracted position of the walker apparatus. The slack portion 109 of thebrake cable assembly 98 extends at least in part between the outerperipheral edge 210 of the inner portion 208 of brake cable housing 168and inner peripheral edge 204 of outer portion 202 of the brake cablehousing when the walker apparatus 20 is in an intermediate positionbetween the retracted position seen in FIG. 3 and the extended positionseen in FIG. 2. As seen in FIG. 2, slack portion 109 of brake cableassembly 98 in this example abuts the outer peripheral edge 210 of theinner portion 208 of its corresponding brake cable housing 168 when thewalker apparatus 20 is its extended position; however this is notstrictly required.

The slack portion of the brake cable assembly forms a loop of a smallersize in the extended position of the walker apparatus seen in FIG. 2compared to the size of the loop seen in FIG. 4 when the walkerapparatus is in its retracted position. The slack portion 109 of brakecable assembly 98 thus forms a reduced loop shape spanning a planar areathat is less than that of the enlarged loop shape when the apparatus isin its extended position. The brake cable housing 168 is thus shaped toenclose the slack portion 109 of the brake cable assembly within thechamber 222 thereof. Referring to FIG. 2, the height-adjustableassemblies 34 and 36 and brake cable housings 168 may collectively bereferred to as a macro adjustment mechanism for altering thelength/portion of the brake cable assembly 98 extending within theheight-adjustable assemblies.

Referring to FIG. 5, the walker apparatus 20 includes a cable adjuster229 positioned within chamber 222 and enclosed by the brake cablehousing 168. The cable adjuster 168 may also be referred to as a tensionadjuster or a tension-adjustment knob. The brake cable housing 168 isshaped to protect and to provide access to the cable adjuster 229. Forexample, the brake cable housing 168 may include an opening throughwhich the cable adjuster 168 can be accessed and adjusted to alter atension in the brake cable assembly 98. The brake cable housing 168 mayalso or alternatively include a latch which allows the brake cablehousing 168 to be opened, allowing a user to adjust the cable adjuster168 to alter a tension in the brake cable assembly 98. This may allow auser to easily adjust a tension in the brake cable assembly 98, withoutneeding to adjust the brakes themselves, which are often awkwardlyplaced near floor level.

As seen in FIG. 6, the cable adjuster 229 comprises a first subassembly231 including a first sleeve 233. The first sleeve 233 is shaped toreceive and couple to a distal or upper end 235 of a first or lowersegment 181 of the cable sleeve 108 of the brake cable assembly 98. Thefirst subassembly 231 includes a male member, in this example a threadedtube 239 with exterior threading thereon. The threaded tube couples toand extends outwards from the sleeve 233.

As seen in FIG. 4, the cable adjuster 229 comprises a second subassembly241 including a second sleeve 243. The second sleeve 243 is shaped toreceive and couple to a proximal or lower end 245 of a second or uppersegment 177 of the cable sleeve 108 of the brake cable assembly 98. Asseen in FIG. 5, the cable adjuster 229 is inline with the cable sleeveof the brake cable assembly 98, and in this example inline with theslack portion 109 of the brake cable assembly. The cable adjuster 229couples together upper segment 177 and lower segment 181 of the cablesleeve 108 of the brake cable assembly 98. Cable 100 extends through thecable adjuster 229. One of the sleeves 233 and 243 of the cable adjuster229 is rotatable ready to its corresponding segment of brake cableassembly 98, in this example sleeve 243.

The second subassembly 241 includes a female member, in this example anut 249 coupled to, integrally formed with and extending outwards fromthe second sleeve 247. However, this is not strictly required: insteadof being referred to as a nut, the second subassembly 241 may be said tocomprise sleeve 243 having internal threading extending inwards from oneend 251 thereof. The nut 249 threadably couples to and receives thethreaded tube 239.

The cable adjuster 229 has a retracted position seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 inwhich the threaded tube 239 is fully inserted into and threadablycoupled with the nut 249. Rotation of the nut relative to the threadedtube enables the cable adjuster to move from its retracted position seenin FIG. 5 to an tended position seen in FIG. 6. Only the distal end 281of the threaded tube 239 threadably couples with and is inserted intothe nut 249 when the cable adjuster is in its extended position.Positioning of the upper segment 177 of the cable sleeve 108 of thebrake cable assembly 98 relative to the lower segment 181 of the cablesleeve of the brake cable assembly may thus be adjusted to by a desiredextension or length L_(C). The cable sleeve of the brake cable assemblymay therefore be selectively effectively lengthened by up to lengthL_(C) via the cable adjuster 229. Threaded adjustment of the nut alongthe threaded tube alters the effective length of the cable sleeve 108 ofthe brake cable assembly 98. Actuation of the cable adjuster thus altersthe effective length of the cable sleeve of the brake cable assembly andthe cable adjuster may be said to comprise a micro adjustment mechanismfor the brake cable assembly 98. Referring to FIGS. 5, and 9, theposition of the end point of the cable relative to the brake pad 215changes by actuating the cable adjuster 229 as spring 217 iscontinuously applying a pressure to the cable. Tension adjustment maythus occur via the inline nut

The cable adjuster 229 can be used to compensate for at least twoproblems which may otherwise arise in a brake cable assembly 98 for awalker apparatus 20. First, over the course of time, the cable 100 maygradually elongate. The cable adjuster 229 may be used to compensate forthis gradual elongation and may therefore improve the operation of thewalker apparatus 20 and its brake cable assembly 98. Second, over thecourse of time the brake pad 215 contact surface may wear, and the cableadjuster 98 can be used to compensate for the gradual loss of thiscontact surface to improve the operation of the brakes. The cableadjuster 229 may also offer convenient access to the brake adjustmentmechanisms, as it may be placed in the covered brake cable housing 168at a relatively accessible height, while other brake adjustmentmechanisms may be placed almost at floor level—an inconvenient heightfor a user to access and adjust the brakes of their walker apparatus 20or other height-adjustable wheeled vehicle.

As seen in FIG. 6, the slack portion 109 of the brake cable assembly 98is configured to abut in part the peripheral edge 204 of the outerportion 202 of the brake cable housing 168 when the height-adjustableassembly 34 is in a retracted position and the cable adjuster 229 is inan extended position in this example. As seen in FIG. 2, the slackportion of the brake cable assembly is configured to abut in part theperipheral edge 210 of the inner portion of the brake cable housing 168when the height-adjustable assembly is in an extended position and thecable adjuster is in a retracted position.

FIG. 14 shows a manually operated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, inthis example a combination transport chair and walker apparatus 20.1according to a second embodiment. Like parts have like numbers andfunctionings as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 with the additionof “0.1”. Apparatus 20.1 is substantially the same as apparatus 20 seenin FIGS. 1 to 13 with the following exceptions.

The apparatus 20.1 includes a pair of footrest assemblies 226 and 228.The footrest assemblies include footrests 230 and 232 that arepositioned along the front 24.1 and bottom 32.1 of the apparatus, withfootrest 230 being adjacent to side 26.1 and footrest 232 being adjacentto side 28.1. The footrests are planar and rectangular in shape in thisexample and are shaped to receive respective feet of a person who issitting on seat assembly 68.1 while sitting facing the front of theapparatus 20.1.

Each of the footrest assemblies 226 and 228 includes length-adjustableframing, in this example in the form of telescoping tubes 234 and 236.Outer tube 234 selectively couples to its respective laterally extendingassembly 50.1 via a coupling mechanism, in this example clamps 238 and240 that extend about curved portion 64.1 of tube 54.1. Inner tube 236couples to footrest 230 and is received in part within the outer tube.Each of the footrest assemblies 226 and 228 includes an adjustablemechanism, in this example a thumb screw 242. Loosening of the thumbscrew enables inner tube 236 to be rotatable relative to outer tube 234and enables the extent to which the inner tube extends outwards from theouter tube to be adjustable. When a desired length of tubing and angularposition of the footrests 230 is obtained, the thumb screw 242 istightened to couple the inner and outer tubes together.

The apparatus 20.1 has a transportation chair mode shown with thebackrest 127.1 in solid lines and in a transport-chair-mode position,The backrest in this position extends from its ends 131.1 and 133.1towards the rear 22.1 of the apparatus. The backrest 127.1 includes apair of adjustment mechanisms 244 and 246 adjacent to the ends 131.1 and133.1 thereof. The thumb screws when loosened enable the backrest tomove from the transport-chair-mode position to a walker-mode positionseen by the positioning of the backrest in ghost lines. The backrest127.1 in this position extends from its ends 131.1 and 133.1 towards thefront 24.1 of the apparatus 20.1. When the desired backrest position isachieved, the thumb screws are tightened to inhibit rotation of thebackrest relative to the height-adjustable assemblies 34.1 and 36.1thereafter. Apparatus 20.1 thus can be a transportation chair at timesarid a walker apparatus at times. Thus, the apparatus can be configuredas a transport chair or walker apparatus. Apparatus 20.1 is in part atransport chair may thus also be referred to as transport chair.

Lower side frame member, in this example tube 56.1 is J-shaped and haswheels 70.1 and 75.1 operatively connected thereto at distal ends 58.1and 60.1 thereof. Upright assemblies 34.1 and 36.1 are positionedbetween the front 24.1 and the rear 22.1 of the apparatus 20.1 in thisexample. Tube 42.1 couples and extends upwards from tube 56.1. Tubes42.1, 44.1 and 56.1 are similar in diameter in this example, with tubes54.1 being smaller in diameter compared thereto.

Bottom 174.1 of brake cable housing 168.1 couples to and abuts top 61.1of frame member 56.1 in this example. Elongate rear 178.1 of the brakecable housing couples to and abuts the outer tube 42.1 adjacent to framemember 56.1 in this case. Substantially straight portion 62.1 of tube54.1 is spaced-apart above of the brake cable housing 168.1 in thisexample and curved portion 64.1 of the tube is positioned forward of thebrake cable housing 168.1.

FIG. 15 shows a manually operated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, inthis example a wheelchair 20.2 according to a third embodiment. Likeparts have like numbers and functionings as the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 13 with the addition of “0.2”. Apparatus 20.2 issubstantially the same as apparatus 20 seen in FIGS. 1 to 13 with thefollowing exceptions.

The wheelchair has a pair of spaced-apart front wheels 75.2 to whichbrake assemblies 203.2 are coupled and a pair of spaced-apart, enlarged,hand-propelled rear wheel 70.2. The wheelchair 20.2 includes a pair ofspaced-apart height-adjustable assemblies 34.2 to which correspondinggripping handles 130.2 pivotally couple at upper ends 40.2 of theheight-adjustable assemblies.

The wheelchair includes various u-shaped frames 248 and 250 perlaterally extending assembly 50.2 in this example. Armrests 252 coupleto and extend along the tops 261 of respective ones of frames 250. Theframes 248 and 250 couple to and extend upwards from tube 54.2 in thisexample. The wheelchair 20.2 includes brake assemblies 203.2 for itsfront wheels 75.2, with a brake cable housing 168.2 per side thereof.Each brake cable housing is position within the square-shaped opening254 formed by corresponding frame 250 and tube 54.2 in this example.Bottom 174.2 of the brake cable housing 1682 couples to tube 54.2 andrear 178.2 of the brake cable housing couples to upright portion 256 offrame 250 in this example.

The wheelchair includes an upright backrest 131.2 which couples to theupright portion of frame 250 in this example. Tubes 42.2 of theheight-adjustable assemblies 34.2 also couple to frame 250 in thisexample. The wheelchair 20.2 includes a vertically extending hollowframe member, in this example tube 253 per side thereof, with the tubeextending between tubes 54.2 and 56.2 in this example.

Brake cable assembly 98.2 is positioned within the framing of thewheelchair 20.2, in this example within tubes 44.2, 42.2, 54.2, and 253,with slack portion 109.2 of the brake; cable assembly being enclosedwithin the brake cable housing 168.2 in a like manner as describedpreviously. The brake cable housing 168.2 is shaped to accommodatevarying amounts of excess portions of the brake cable assembly as thevertical positioning of the gripping handles 130.2 is adjusted by theuser as needed.

FIG. 16 shows a manually operated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, inthis example a wheeled commode, shown by number 20.3, according to afourth embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functionings as theembodiment shown. in FIGS. 1 to 13 with the addition of “0.3”. Apparatus20.3 is substantially the same as apparatus 20 seen in FIGS. 1 to 13with the following exceptions.

The commode has a pair of spaced-apart front wheels 70.3 and a pair ofspaced-apart rear wheel 75.3. The commode 20.3 includes a pair ofspaced-apart height-adjustable assemblies 34.3 to which gripping handles130.3 pivotally couple at upper ends 40.3 of the height-adjustableassemblies. The commode includes a chamber pot 258 which couples to andextends downwards from scat 68.3 thereof. The commode includes anupright backrest 1313 which couples to and extends upwards from theseat. The commode 20.3 includes a u-shaped frame 260 per laterallyextending assembly 50.3 in this example, Armrests 262 couple to aridextend along the tops 263 of respective ones of the frames. Each frame260 couples to and extends upwards from a respective tube 56.3. Tube54.3 is positioned between tube 56.3 and top 263 of the frame in thisexample and couples to and extends between the frame.

The commode 20.3 includes brake assemblies 203.3 to selectively brakewheels 703 in this example. Each brake assembly includes a brake cablehousing 168.3 positioned within the opening 264 formed by frame 260 andtubes 54.3 and 56.3 in this example. Bottom 174.3 of the brake cablehousing couples to the top 61.3 of tube 56.3 in this example. Rear 178.3of the brake cable housing 168.3 couples to upright portion 266 of frame260 in this example. Tubes 42.3 of the height-adjustable assemblies 34.3couple to the upright portions 266 of frames 260 in this example.

Brake cable assembly 98.3 is positioned within the framing of thecommode 20.3, with tubes 42.3, 44.3 and 56.3 extending therearound.Slack portion 109.3 of the brake cable assembly is enclosed within thebrake cable housing 1683 in a like manner as described previously. Thebrake cable housing is shaped to accommodate varying amounts of excessportions of the brake cable assembly as the vertical positioning of thegripping handles 130.3 is adjusted by the user as needed. Actuation ofgripping handle 130.3 causes the brake cable assembly 98.3 to 3 toselectively engage and the brake wheels 753. This functions to inhibitmovement of the commode in a like manner as previous described above.

FIG. 17 shows a manually operated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, inthis example an evacuation chair 20.4 according to a fifth embodiment.Like parts have like, numbers and functionings as the embodiment shownin FIGS. 1 to 13 with the addition of “0.4”. Apparatus 20.4 issubstantially the same as apparatus 20 seen in FIGS. 1 to 13 with thefollowing exceptions.

The evacuation chair includes a pair of spaced-apart front wheels 75.4and a pair of spaced-apart rear wheel 70.4. The evacuation chair 20.4includes a pair of height/length-adjustable assemblies at adjacent sidesthereof and to which respective laterally extending assemblies pivotallyconnect. This is shown by height-adjustable assembly 34.4 pivotallyconnecting with laterally extending assembly 50.4 between the lower end38.4 and upper end 40.4 thereof Front wheels 75.4 are rotatably mountedto the height-adjustable assemblies upright 34.4 adjacent to the lowerends thereof. A foot-support, in this example in the form of u-shapedframe 270, seen in side profile, pivotally couples to front wheels 75.4and is extendable outwards from lower ends 38.4 of the height-adjustableassemblies upright 34.4.

The evacuation chair 20.4 includes a pair of wheel folding assemblies274 per side thereof. Each folding assembly includes a pair of baseframe members 276 and 278 that pivotally couple together via axle 279.Front wheels 75.4 rotatably couple to respective base frame members 276.Rear wheels 70.4 rotatably mount to base frame members 278. Each foldingassembly includes in this example a hydraulic actuator 280 thatpivotally connects to and couples together base frame member 278 andfront wheel 75.4. Rear, end 282 of laterally extending assembly 50.4pivotally couples to axle 279 in this example. The folding mechanismsfoot support, height-adjustable assemblies and laterally extendingassemblies of the evacuation chair 20.4 are configured to selectivelyfold upon themselves to form a compact form when the evacuation chair isnot needed. Evacuation chairs per se, including their various parts andfunctionings, are well known to those skilled in the art and detailsregarding folding mechanisms in this regard will thus not be describedin further detail.

The evacuation chair 20.4 includes a flexible member 284 with a bottomportion in the form of a seat 68.4 and an upright portion in the form ofbackrest 131.4. The flexible member extends between the sides 284 of theevacuation chair with a lower end 286 extending about and coupled todistal ends 288 of the laterally extending assemblies 50.4 in thisexample. An upper end 290 of the flexible member 284 couples to theheight-adjustable assemblies 34.4 at a location adjacent to thumb screw48.4 in this example.

The evacuation chair 20.4 includes brake assemblies 203.4 with brakemembers 205.4 mounted to the height-adjustable assemblies 34.4 adjacentto the front wheels 70.4 of the evacuation chair. The brake assembliesinclude a brake cable housing 168.4 per: side thereof. The front 184.4of each brake cable housing couples to and extends along a respectivetube 42.4 of its corresponding height-adjustable assembly 34.4 in thisexample.

Brake cable assembly 98.4 is positioned within the framing of theevacuation chair 20.4, in this example within tubes 44.4 and 42.4, withslack portion 109.4 of the brake cable assembly being enclosed withinthe brake cable housing 168.4 in a like manner as described previously.The brake cable housing is shaped to accommodate varying amounts ofexcess portions of the brake cable assembly as the positioning of the,gripping handles 130A is adjusted by the user as needed. Actuation ofthe gripping handle causes the brake cable assembly 98.4 to move brakemember 205.4 so as to selectively engage and brake front wheel 75.4.This functions to inhibit movement of the evacuation chair 20.4 in alike manner as previous described above.

FIG. 18 shows a manually operated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, inthis example a height-adjustable stretcher 20.5 according to a sixthembodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functionings as theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 with the addition of “0.5”. Apparatus20.5 is substantially the same as apparatus 20 seen in FIGS. 1 to 13with the following exceptions.

The stretcher includes a horizontally extending upper platform 294 upona body mattress 296 and head cushion 298 couple and extend in thisexample. The stretcher 20.5 includes a base, in this example a baseframe assembly 300 to which front wheels 70.5 rotatably mount at aforward end 302 thereof and to which rear wheels 75.5 mount at arearward end 304 thereof. The stretcher includes a height-adjustmentmechanism 34.5 which in this example comprises a pair of crossed-linkingtelescoping assemblies 306 and 308 that are hollow in this example. Thetelescoping assemblies pivotally couple to and extend between platform294 and base frame assembly 300. Height-adjustment mechanisms forstretchers, including their various parts and functionings, are knownper se and thus will not be described in further detail. The stretcher20.5 includes a pair of gripping handles 130.5 that pivotally couple tothe bottom. 310 of platform 294 in this example adjacent to the rearwardend 312 of the platform.

The stretcher includes brake assemblies 203.5 to selectively brakewheels 75.5 in this example. Each brake assembly includes a brake cablehousing 168.5. In this example the top 170.5 of each brake cable housingcouples to and extends along the bottom. 310 of the platform 294adjacent to the rearward end 312 of the platform.

Brake cable assembly 98.5 is positioned within the framing of thestretcher 20.5, in this example extending within platform 294, rearwardtubing 314 telescoping assembly 306 and rearward tubing 316 oftelescoping assembly 308; however this is not strictly required and thebrake cable assembly may extend along the outside thereof in otherembodiments. Slack portion 109.5 of the brake cable assembly is enclosedwithin the brake cable housing 168.5 in a like manner as describedpreviously. The brake cable housing is shaped to accommodate varyingamounts of excess portions of the brake cable assembly as the height ofthe stretcher is adjusted as needed. Actuation of gripping handle 130.5causes the brake cable assembly 98.5 to move brake member 205.5 toselectively engage and brake rear wheels 70.5. This functions to inhibitmovement of the stretcher in a like manner as previous described above.

FIGS, 19 to 20 show a manually operated, height-adjustable wheeledvehicle, in this example a walker apparatus 20.6 according to a seventhembodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functionings as theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 with the addition of “0.6”. Apparatus20.6 is substantially the same as apparatus 20 seen in FIGS. 1 to 13with the following exceptions.

As seen in FIG. 19, the brake cable housing 168.6 has an access port 255extending through the inner side planar portion, in this example innerside 186.6 thereof The access port is in communication with the chamber222.6 and interior space 200.6 of the brake cable housing. The placementof the access port 255 may allow a user to adjust a cable adjuster229.6.

As seen in FIG. 20, the brake cable housing 168.6 includes a removablecover 257 which extends across the access port 255. The removable coverincludes a planar portion 259 that is rectangular in this example. Theremovable cover 257 includes a pair of spaced-apart tabs .265 and 267which are integrally formed with the planar portion thereof in thisexample. The tabs couple to and extend outwards from the planar portion259. The removable cover 257 threadably couples to the inner side 186.6of the brake cable housing 168.6 via fasteners, in this example bolts269 which extend through the tabs. The interior space 200.6 of the brakecable housing seen in FIG. 19 is thus accessible by selectively removingthe cover seen in FIG. 20. As seen in FIG. 20, the peripheral portion276.6 of the brake cable housing 168.6 is outwardly spaced from andextends about the removable cover 257. The removable cover is smaller inspan compared ,to the inner side 186.6 of the brake cable housing 168.6in this example. The removable cover may also be removably attached tothe brake cable housing using other mechanisms, such as being secured inplace using a latch.

FIG. 21 shows a manually operated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, inthis example a walker apparatus 20.7 according to an eighth embodiment.Like parts have like numbers and functionings as the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 13 with the addition of “0.7”. Apparatus 20.7 issubstantially the same as apparatus 20 seen in FIGS. 1 to 13 with thefollowing exceptions.

The brake cable housing 168.7 has a single opening or passageway 214.7in this embodiment in communication with aperture 51.7. The excess orslack portion 109.7 of the brake cable assembly 98.7 extends into thechamber 222.7 via the passageway of the brake cable housing. The chamberis defined by and spans between inner wall or peripheral edge 204.7,which is arc-shaped, and the inner side 186.7 and outer side 188.7 ofthe brake cable housing 168.7. There is no inner portion or innerperipheral edge to the brake cable housing such as the inner portion 208and peripheral edge 210 of brake cable housing 168 shown in FIG. 4.Referring back to FIG. 21, the slack portion 109.7 of the brake cableassembly 98.7 is thus movable anywhere within the chamber 222.7.

FIG. 22 shows a manually operated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, inthis example a walker apparatus 20.8 according to an eighth embodiment.Like parts have like numbers and functionings as the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 13 with the addition of “0.8”. Apparatus 20.8 issubstantially the same as apparatus 20 seen in FIGS. 1 to 13 with thefollowing exceptions.

The brake cable housing 168.8 is spaced-apart from the one or more sideframe members, in this example tubes 54.8 and 56.8 in this embodiment.The brake cable housing abuts front portion 180.8 of theheight-adjustable assembly 34.8, in this example tube 42.8.

The walker apparatus 20.8 includes a connector, in this example acoupling plate 271 that is planar and rectangular in this example. Thecoupling plate extends outwards from the rear 178.8 of the brake cablehousing 168.8. The coupling plate 271 includes an arc-shaped portion 273which couples to, receives in part and abuts a side portion 275 of theheight-adjustable assembly 34.8, in this example tube 42.8.

In one aspect, a wheel fork assembly for a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, the vehicle including a frame member,is described. The wheel fork assembly includes a mount shaped to couplewith a lower end of the frame member, the mount having a longitudinalaxis; and a wheel fork having a longitudinal axis offset from thelongitudinal axis of the mount and being integrally coupled to andformed with said mount. The wheel fork may include an inner planarportion of the wheel fork which aligns with the longitudinal axis of themount. The wheel fork may include a mount which is tubular at least inpart.

In one aspect, a wheel fork assembly for a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, the vehicle including a frame member,is described. The wheel fork assembly includes a mount including anupper portion shaped to couple with a lower end of the frame member anda lower portion that curves laterally outwards; and a wheel fork coupledto the lower portion of the mount.

The wheel fork assembly may have outer and inner sides, and each saidside may be outwardly concave in part and outwardly convex in part. Thewheel fork assembly may have a mount with an outer side and an innerside, with the lower portion of the mount being outwardly concave atsaid outer side and being outwardly convex at said inner side. The upperportion of the mount may be tubular. The wheel fork may be shaped to.receive a wheel therebetween such that the wheel is forward facing andlaterally outwardly spaced from the frame member of the vehicle.

In one aspect, a wheel fork assembly for a manually operated, heightadjustable wheeled vehicle is described. The wheel fork assemblyincludes a pair of elongate supports having lower portions between whicha wheel is mountable and having upper portions, an aperture extendingthrough the upper portion of one said support; an upper cover whichcouples together the upper portions of the supports; and a side coverthat extends across said aperture and which is selectively removable.

The wheel fork assembly may be on a vehicle which includes awheel-engaging brake member and a brake adjustment mechanism, where theupper cover and the upper portions of the supports extend about thewheel-engaging brake member and the brake adjustment mechanism, whereinthe aperture is in communication with the brake adjustment mechanism,and wherein removal of the side cover provides access to the brakeadjustment mechanism. The wheel fork assembly may include an upperportion of the one support which includes a pair of flanges betweenwhich said aperture extends. The wheel fork assembly may further includea fastener, the side cover coupling to the one said support via saidfastener.

In one aspect, a wheel fork assembly for a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, the vehicle including awheel-engaging brake member and a brake adjustment mechanism, isdescribed. The wheel fork assembly includes a pair of elongate supportsbetween which a wheel is received and to which the wheel rotatablycouples; and a housing which couples together the supports and extendsabout the wheel-engaging brake member and the brake adjustmentmechanism, the housing including a side cover with removal thereofproviding access to the brake adjustment mechanism, the side coveraligning with one of said elongate supports. The wheel fork assembly mayhave an inner side and the side cover extends along said inner side. Thewheel fork assembly may have a side cover that is outwardly curved. Thewheel fork assembly may have a side cover that is outwardly convex.

In one aspect, a wheel fork assembly for a manually operated,height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, the vehicle including awheel-engaging brake member and a brake adjustment mechanism, isdescribed. The wheel fork assembly includes a pair of elongate supportsbetween which a wheel is received and to which the wheel rotatablycouples; and a housing which couples together the supports and extendsabout the wheel-engaging brake member and the brake adjustmentmechanism, the housing including a cover with removal thereof providingaccess to the brake adjustment mechanism, the cover aligning with aninner side of the wheel fork assembly.

The wheel fork assemblies described above may be used on a walker, acollator, a transport chair, a combination transport chair and walker, awheelchair, a wheeled commode, an evacuation chair, and/or aheight-adjustable stretcher.

Many advantages result from the structure of the present invention. Forexample, the cable adjuster is enclosed within the brake cable housingand thus not inadvertently dislodged and may be protected fromdamage/wear. The brake cable housing may provide convenient access forthe cable adjuster, such as providing an opening to adjusted the cableadjuster and/or providing a latch to allow a user to open the brakecable housing to adjust the cable adjuster. The cable adjuster itselfallows users to adjust the tension of the brake cable withoutdisassembling the braking system, which can be used to compensate forwear on the brake pads and to compensate for a gradual elongation of thebrake cable due to use. The new wheel fork structure allows a wider gaitand greater tipping angle.

It will be appreciated that many variations are possible within thescope of the invention described herein. It will also be understood bysomeone skilled in the art that many of the details provided above areby way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention which is to be determined with reference to the followingclaims.

1. A brake assembly for a manually operated, height-adjustable wheeledvehicle, the brake assembly comprising: a brake cable assembly; a brakecable housing shaped to enclose an excess portion of the brake cableassembly; and a cable adjuster coupled to the brake cable assembly, thecable adjuster being enclosed by the brake cable housing, wherein thebrake cable assembly includes a cable and a cable sleeve extending aboutthe cable, wherein the cable adjuster includes a first subassemblycomprising a first sleeve shaped to receive and couple to an end of afirst segment of the cable sleeve of said brake cable assembly, thefirst subassembly further comprising a threaded tube coupled to andextending outwards from the first sleeve, and wherein the cable adjusterincludes a second subassembly comprising a second sleeve shaped toreceive and couple to an end of a second segment of the cable sleeve ofsaid brake cable assembly, the second subassembly further comprising anut coupled to and extending outwards from said second sleeve, the nutthreadably coupling to said threaded tube, with threaded adjustment ofthe nut along the threaded tube altering the effective length of thecable sleeve of the brake cable assembly.
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled) 4.(canceled)
 5. The brake assembly as claimed in claim 1, the vehicleincluding a height-adjustable assembly having a longitudinal axis,wherein the brake cable housing couples to the height-adjustableassembly, and wherein the brake cable housing extends laterally outwardsrelative to said longitudinal axis.
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled) 8.(canceled)
 9. The brake assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein thebrake cable housing abuts a front portion of the height-adjustableassembly and is coupled to at least one side portion of theheight-adjustable assembly
 10. The brake assembly as claimed in claim 1,further including a planar member which couples the brake cable housingto a side portion of the height-adjustable assembly, and wherein theplanar member couples to and extends in part along an outer side of thebrake cable housing.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The brake assembly as claimed inclaim 1, further including at least one connector extending outwardsfrom the brake cable housing, the at least one connector including anarc-shaped portion which couples to and abuts a side portion of theheight-adjustable assembly.
 13. The brake assembly as claimed in claim1, wherein the brake cable housing includes an outer portion having aninner peripheral edge, and wherein the excess portion of the brake cableassembly is configured to abut in part the inner peripheral edge of theouter portion of the brake cable housing when the height-adjustableassembly is in a retracted position and the cable adjuster is in anextended position, and wherein the brake cable housing includes an innerportion having an outer peripheral edge, and wherein the excess portionof the brake cable assembly is configured to abut in part the outerperipheral edge of the inner portion of the brake cable housing when theheight-adjustable assembly is in an extended position and the cableadjuster is in a retracted position.
 14. The brake assembly as claimedin claim 1, wherein the brake cable housing includes an inner portionhaving an outer peripheral edge, and wherein the excess portion of thebrake cable assembly is configured to abut in part the outer peripheraledge of the inner portion of the brake cable housing when theheight-adjustable assembly is in an extended position and the cableadjuster is in a retracted position.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The brakeassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake cable assemblyincludes a cable and a cable sleeve extending about said cable, andwherein actuation of the cable adjuster alters an effective length ofthe cable sleeve of the brake cable assembly.
 17. The brake assembly asclaimed in of claim 1, wherein the cable adjuster is inline with thebrake cable assembly.
 18. The brake assembly as claimed in of claim 16,wherein a first portion of the brake cable assembly extends along theheight-adjustable assembly and a second portion of the brake cableassembly is enclosed within the brake cable housing, wherein the secondportion of the brake cable assembly is loop-shaped, and wherein thecable adjuster is inline with the second portion of the brake cableassembly.
 19. The brake assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecable adjuster includes a female member and a male member threadablycoupled to and selectively adjustable relative to the female member. 20.The brake assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake cableassembly includes a cable and a cable sleeve, wherein the female memberand the male member are coupled to respective segments of the cablesleeve and wherein at least one of the female member and the male memberis rotatably coupled to its corresponding segment of the cable sleeve ofthe brake cable assembly.
 21. The brake assembly as claimed in of claim1, wherein the male member comprises a threaded tube and the femalemember comprises a threaded sleeve.
 22. (canceled)
 23. The brakeassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nut is integrally connectedto and formed with the second sleeve.
 24. The brake assembly as claimedin claim 1, wherein the brake cable housing has an interior and includesa removable cover via which said interior is accessible.
 25. (canceled)26. (canceled)
 27. (canceled)
 28. A brake assembly for a manuallyoperated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, the vehicle includes aheight-adjustable assembly, and the brake assembly comprising: a brakecable assembly extending along the height-adjustable assembly; a brakecable housing shaped to enclose an excess portion of the brake cableassembly within a chamber thereof, the brake cable housing having anaccess port extending through an inner side planar portion thereof, theaccess port being in communication with said chamber; and a removablecover which extends across said access port; wherein the removable coveris smaller than the inner side planar portion of the brake cablehousing.
 29. (canceled)
 30. (canceled)
 31. The brake assembly as claimedin claim 28, wherein the brake cable housing includes a peripheralportion which extends about the inner side planar portion thereof and atop, a bottom, a front and a rear thereof, the peripheral portion of thebrake cable housing being outwardly spaced from and extending about theremovable cover.
 32. (canceled)
 33. The brake assembly as claimed inclaim 28, wherein the excess portion of the brake cable assemblyincludes a cable adjuster, and the access port is configured to allowaccess to the cable adjuster.
 34. (canceled)
 35. (canceled) 36.(canceled)
 37. (canceled)
 38. (canceled)
 39. (canceled)
 40. (canceled)41. (canceled)
 42. A manually-operated, height-adjustable vehiclecomprising the brake assembly as claimed in claim 1, the vehicle beingone of a walker apparatus, a rollator, transport chair, a combinationtransport chair and walker apparatus, a wheelchair, a wheeled commode,an evacuation chair, and a height-adjustable stretcher.
 43. Amanually-operated, height-adjustable vehicle including aheight-adjustable assembly having a longitudinal axis, and a brakeassembly comprising: a brake cable assembly; a brake cable housingshaped to enclose an excess portion of the brake cable assembly coupledto the height-adjustable assembly, and extending laterally outwardsrelative to said longitudinal axis; and a cable adjuster coupled to thebrake cable assembly, the cable adjuster being enclosed by the brakecable housing; wherein the brake cable assembly includes a cable and acable sleeve extending about the cable, wherein the cable adjusterincludes a first subassembly comprising a first sleeve shaped to receiveand couple to an end of a first segment of the cable sleeve of saidbrake cable assembly, the first subassembly further comprising athreaded tube coupled to and extending outwards from the first sleeve,and wherein the cable adjuster includes a second subassembly comprisinga second sleeve shaped to receive and couple to an end of a secondsegment of the cable sleeve of said brake cable assembly, the secondsubassembly further comprising a nut coupled to and extending outwardsfrom said second sleeve, the nut threadably coupling to said threadedtube, with threaded adjustment of the nut along the threaded tubealtering the effective length of the cable sleeve of the brake cableassembly, and wherein a first portion of the brake cable assemblyextends along the height-adjustable assembly and a second portion of thebrake cable assembly is enclosed within the brake cable housing.